|
Menu
Moldova.org
|
Volvo to release in-car breathalyzer to fight drink-driving
|
Swedish automobile maker Volvo has produced a device that prevents drunk drivers from starting their cars, the company's press-service said.
Called Alcoguard, the device will go on sale at the beginning of 2008. Resembling a TV remote-control handset, the breathalyzer measures the level of alcohol in a driver's blood. If the amount exceeds the legal maximum (less than 0.2 g/l in Sweden), the car simply refuses to start.
The first two thousand models, for the Volvo S80, V70, and XC70, will retail at 800 euros (about $1,000). They are initially intended for use by taxi firms and municipalities.
 "At present, one in every three [road] fatalities in Europe is alcohol-related. Alcoguard is a tool whose purpose is to help the driver make sober decisions," said Ingrid Skogsmo, director of the Volvo Cars Safety Centre.
The first such 'alco-locks' were introduced in the U.S. and Canada in the 1980s for control over drivers who had been convicted of drunk driving.
An in-car breathalyzer had already been announced by Japanese auto maker Nissan, whose device initially measures alcohol in the driver's breath via an odor sensor. If levels exceed norms, a female voice politely advises the driver not to start the car. If this warning is ignored, then sensors in the gear stick test the alcohol level in the sweat on the driver's palms, and if the level is excessive, the device locks the car's transmission. // RIA "Novosti" |
Related links
 | Mercedes-Benz minibuses at the 2008 International Commercial Vehicle Show
The new generation of Mercedes-Benz minibuses based on the Sprinter platform premiered at the International Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover two years ago. Since then, the new range has become firmly established. And it has been extended to include further models: with a choice of Sprinter Transfer, Sprinter Travel, Sprinter City or Sprinter Mobility, the range now comprises a total of twelve ba more... |  | 2010 Cadillac SRX Crossover
Today Cadillac provided a special sneak preview of the next-generation SRX Crossover, a 2010 model that will launch worldwide in mid-2009.The all-new SRX is intended to bring a more dynamic alternative to the heart of the luxury crossover segment, featuring a fresh iteration of Cadillac’s signature design language.
“The next-generation SRX is the result of the continued exploration more... |  | Nissan presents 'Nissan Technology Square'
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and PT. Nissan Motor Indonesia will present the "NISSAN TECHNOLOGY SQUARE" event at the Kelapa Gading Mall in Jakarta, Indonesia. The public automotive technologies showcase opens today and runs through August 25.
Indonesia is the second market where we hold this event. After completing its run in Indonesia, the Nissan Technology Square will visit several citie more... |
The most read news
Auto
|
Auto Brands
|
English |
Romanian |
Russian
News
Economy
Politics
Society
Sport
IT
WEB directory
Music
Auto
Newsletter
My.Moldova.org
Weather
Horoscope
Exchange Rate
Recipes
Documents